The Fit List

Race at Lake of the Woods in the Run for the Mahomet Library this weekend, or get an early start on Thanksgiving with a Turkey Trot in Decatur. Don’t forget Urbana’s fun run on Thanksgiving Day.Here’s the list of races for the next few weekends:

Weekend of Nov. 19-20:— Run for the Mahomet LibraryThis 5K run and walk is Saturday at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. It’s jointly sponsored by the Friends of the Mahomet Public Library and the Mahomet Rotary Club.The race starts at 9 a.m., and there’s race day registration from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. For more information, click here.

— Turkey TrotsOne of my favorite holiday traditions is the Turkey Trot. I feel a little better about having a second piece of pumpkin pie if I’ve run Thanksgiving morning.The Urbana Park District’s Turkey Trot is a free event at Crystal Lake Park, beginning at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 24. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. There’s free hot chocolate, and they raffle off a lot of good stuff afterward. Here’s a link for more information.And you don’t have to run. For many of the participants, this is just a stroll through the park.Decatur’s Turkey Trot is this Saturday and includes a 5K and a 10K run, and a 5K recreational walk. The race starts at Fairview Park, and race day registration is from 8 to 8:45 a.m.For more information, go to http://www.decatur-parks.org and click on the logo for the Turkey Trot on the homepage.In Bloomington, the Turkey Trot is a 3-mile run, a 1.5-mile fun walk and a 1/2-mile kids fun run. It’s at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving Day at Miller Park. It’s a free event, and registration begins at 8 a.m. Participants are eligible for drawings for frozen turkeys. Here’s the website for more information.The Peoria Turkey Trot is Sunday in Detweiller Park. It’s a 4-mile run beginning at 1 p.m. Here’s the information on the Peoria Park District website.

— Mattoon Santa ChaseThis race includes a half-marathon and a 5K run on Saturday. The half-marathon starts at 12:55 p.m., and the 5K at 1 p.m., immediately before the Mattoon Holiday Parade.Registration on race day is from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.The race benefits the Mattoon Youth Wrestling Club. Go to its website at www.mattoonywc.com to get to the race flier.

— Jingle Bell Run — SpringfieldSpringfield’s Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis is Saturday at Lincoln Land Community College. The 5K run/walk begins at 10 a.m., and registration begins at 8 a.m.For more information or to register, go to www.jinglebellspringfield.com.

Weekend of Nov. 26-27:— FOLEPI River Trail ClassicThis is a 4-mile run and 2-mile non-competitive walk on Saturday, Nov. 26, on the River Trail of Illinois in East Peoria. The run and walk are point-to-point and there is transportation provided between the start and finish.If you want to order the race’s hooded sweatshirt, you’ve got to do it today.You can register from 7 to 8:15 a.m. on race day. Here’s a link for more information.

— Stuff N’ PuffThis is a 5K run and walk on Saturday, Nov. 26, in Sullivan. The proceeds go to the Sullivan-Okaw Valley cross-country and track program.You can register on race day from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. Here’s a link to the entry form.

Weekend of Dec. 3-4:— Tuscola 5K Santa ChaseThis 5K run and walk is Saturday, Dec. 3, in Tuscola. Save a few dollars by registering before Dec. 2. Or you can register on race day from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. Here’s a link to the entry form.

— Jingle Bell Run — ChampaignChampaign’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. at Centennial Park.You can register online at www.jinglebellchampaign.com, at Body n’ Sole in Savoy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3, or on race day beginning at noon.There is a team costume contest at 1:30 p.m.

— Frostbite FestivalThis is a 10-mile run and 2-mile run/walk in Springfield on Sunday, Dec. 4. The website says the course is hilly.Race day registration is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., with both races starting at 9 a.m. Here’s a link for more information.

— Jingle Bell Run — PeoriaThe Jingle Bell Run in Peoria is Sunday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. at the Riverplex Recreation & Wellness Center.This one is also a 5K run or walk, with a costume contest. You can register race day beginning at 8 a.m. For more information or online registration, go to www.jinglebellpeoria.com.

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